Khuliso Mudau Suffers Serious Achilles Injury in Fresh Blow for Mamelodi Sundowns
- Mamelodi Sundowns right-back Khuliso Mudau was stretchered off during the Betway Premiership clash against Marumo Gallants on Wednesday
- Coach Miguel Cardoso described the injury as 'very, very severe', raising fears the defender could miss the rest of the season
- Mudau's absence could have major consequences for Bafana Bafana ahead of their AFCON qualifying campaign next month
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Mamelodi Sundowns have been dealt a significant blow after right-back Khuliso Mudau sustained a serious Achilles tendon injury during their 2-0 Betway Premiership win over Marumo Gallants at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday evening, 19 August 2026.
Mudau went down in the 38th minute following a non-contact incident and was stretchered off the field before being replaced by Zuko Mdunyelwa. Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso confirmed the severity of the injury to SuperSport TV after the final whistle.
"It's a very, very severe injury," Cardoso said.
Miguel Cardoso said Mudau’s injury represented a significant setback, stressing that losing a player of his quality and calibre would be a major blow not only for Mamelodi Sundowns but also for South Africa.
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Khuliso Mudau's season and Bafana Bafana future in doubt
Mudau has been a key figure for Sundowns since joining six years ago, establishing himself as one of South Africa’s leading right-backs. He also played an important role for Bafana Bafana at the recent FIFA World Cup in the United States and Mexico.
If the injury is as serious as feared, the 30-year-old could face a lengthy absence and potentially miss the rest of the 2026/27 season. However, the full extent of the injury has not been confirmed.
The timing is also concerning for Bafana, who begin their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Guinea on 1 September before travelling to face Eritrea on 2 September. Mudau could also be doubtful for the November qualifiers against Benni McCarthy’s Kenya.
Miguel Cardoso counting the cost of injuries
Cardoso acknowledged his frustration, noting that the incident occurred without a tackle being involved.
"There was no contact. There are accidents in F1, there are injuries in football. It's a big loss, but let's hope the other ones rise for the challenge ahead," he said.
The setback compounds an already difficult start to the season for Sundowns, who earlier lost influential midfielder Teboho Mokoena to injury. Despite the growing injury concerns, Cardoso expressed satisfaction with the result and singled out Marcelo Allende for praise after the Chilean was named Man of the Match.
"I'm happy for Marcelo Allende. I think South Africa doesn't recognise the quality of the player Marcelo is," Cardoso said.
"It is unbelievable that after five years he has never won the Midfielder of the Season award."
Grant Kekana reveals Sundowns’ focus amid early-season questions
Briefly News previously reported that Grant Kekana believes Mamelodi Sundowns are focused on their own campaign rather than trying to prove a point to their rivals.
The defender said the African champions are still building towards their best, despite some early defensive concerns. Kekana also highlighted areas Sundowns need to improve as they target another strong season.
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Source: Briefly News
